When today’s drivers think about in-car technology, it tends to be about GPS, satellite radio and back-seat video screens for the kids. The cables, wires and antennas that power these technologies are rarely top of mind.

Companies like Broadcom are focused on the underlying technologies that improve the driver experience so that the technology just works – easing the minds of car owners and manufacturers alike. Broadcom has been working on such as advancements as under-the-hood Ethernet cabling, which not only enhances the in-car experience but also impacts factors like vehicle weight, gas mileage, maintenance and safety.

Google’s self-driving car has heightened consumer interest in “autonomous” vehicles.

Companies like Google, which has been experimenting with self-driving cars, have sparked consumers’ imaginations around the concept of the Connected Car. The trend has stoked the desire for the smartphone experience – complete with the latest apps, streaming media, search and advanced navigation – from the road.

Broadcom is actively working with car manufacturers to bring this vision to life. Broadcom has partnered with BMW to integrate the world’s first Ethernet-based 360-degree surround view parking assistance system, on-board diagnostics and infotainment into future models of the X5. But that’s just one example.

In 2011, Broadcom partnered with BMW, NXP, Freescale, Hyundai Motor Company and Harman International to form the OPEN Alliance Special Interest Group. Together with automotive manufacturers and technology providers, we are working to expand wide-scale adoption of Ethernet-based automotive connectivity through single-pair unshielded networks.

Broadcom is also actively involved with the IEEE and standards ratification. This week, Dr. Dirk Rossberg, head of the BMW Group Technology Office, will host a public session on the topic of Consumer Electronics and Smart Cars for the IEEE Santa Clara Valley Consumer Electronics Society in Silicon Valley.

Dr. Rossberg will discuss how BMW’s electric and electronic (E/E) engineering target architecture builds on Ethernet as a high-performance communication backbone in the vehicle. He will also describe how the technology forms an intelligent communication network that can meet current and future demands on E/E systems performance and scalability. Nick Ilyadis, Vice President and Chief Technical Officer of Broadcom’s Infrastructure and Networking Group, will attend.

The talk is free and open to the public. Pre-registration is recommended.

Related:

• The Case for Ethernet in Cars
• Interest in In-Car Connectivity Grows
• Broadcom Survey: Consumers Want In-Car Connectivity
• Broadcom’s BroadR-Reach Automotive Portfolio

About the Author

Ellen Healy

Ellen Healy is Public Relations Manager for the Infrastructure and Networking Group at Broadcom. She has provided strategic counsel to companies including HP and McAfee in addition to Silicon Valley start… More